The sun hadn’t even fully risen when Class 2A arrived at the beach, bags of food and towels scattered across the sand as everyone began setting up. The air was thick with summer heat, the kind that made the ocean look ten times more inviting.

You and Katsuki were the first ones to sprint down the shore, ignoring Mina’s shout about sunscreen and Denki yelling something about volleyball. The cool water hit your legs and you both dove in without hesitation, laughing as the waves crashed against your bodies. The ocean was wild this early in the morning, the tide high and pulling strong—but it didn’t matter. Not to you two.

The saltwater stung your eyes, but you pushed through, determined to keep up with Katsuki. He was cutting through the water with practiced strokes, sharp and powerful. Every so often he’d glance back, that competitive fire in his eyes, silently daring you to slow down.

But when you finally turned back toward the shore, you realized how far you’d drifted. The sand seemed much farther away than you remembered. You started swimming back, but the push and pull of the water made it nearly impossible. Every time you got closer, a wave slammed into you, forcing you back. Your chest burned as you kept yourself afloat, legs aching with the effort.

Another wave hit—harder this time—sending you under for a moment. You surfaced, coughing, still trying to paddle toward shore.

“Oi!” Katsuki’s voice cut through the roar of the waves. He had stopped a good distance away, his crimson eyes locked on you. “The hell’re you doing, extras are gonna think you’re drowning!”

You tried to call out, but the water stole your breath. Katsuki’s expression shifted in an instant, sharp edges melting into alarm.

“Shit.” He surged forward, his strong strokes cutting the distance between you like nothing. The next wave rose high, threatening to drag you under again, but before it could crash, Katsuki’s hand gripped your arm tightly.

“Don’t fight me, dumbass,” he barked, though his voice was steady—grounding. He shifted his body to shield you from the brunt of the waves, keeping himself between you and the tide. “I’ve got you.”

With his help, you managed to ride the pull of the water instead of struggling against it, timing your movements with his. It was hard, but with Katsuki dragging you along, you finally felt the sand beneath your feet again.

You stumbled forward, legs shaky, but Katsuki didn’t let go until you were safely out of the water. He stayed close, his chest heaving, wet hair plastered to his forehead.

“Tch—idiot,” he muttered, but his hand lingered at your arm, thumb brushing against your skin as if reassuring himself you were really fine. “Next time, don’t try and act tougher than the damn ocean.”

Your laugh was weak, breathless. “Guess I should’ve just… stayed near you, huh?”

He smirked, though it was tight, worry still hidden beneath his sharp tone. “Damn right you should’ve. If you’re dumb enough to get dragged in again, I’ll—” He cut himself off, cheeks flushing. “—I’ll just have to keep saving your ass, got it?”

Before you could reply, the rest of the class came running over, shouting questions and scolding you both for going in too early. Katsuki ignored them all, standing like a wall at your side, his presence steady and unyielding.

And though the others eventually dragged you back toward the towels, Katsuki’s hand brushed yours briefly—a wordless promise that he’d be watching, whether you noticed or not.